The bottom line. According to research, cracking your knuckles isn't harmful. It doesn't cause arthritis or make your knuckles larger, but it can be distracting or loud to people around you.

What makes your knuckles bigger?

The tissue and cartilage in your hands and fingers is designed to protect your delicate joints. If a joint is under excessive stress or is damaged, the tissues that line the joint may swell. This swelling may make your fingers and hands appear puffier than usual.

Is it bad for your knuckles to crack them?

"Cracking your knuckles does no harm at all to our joints," says Dr. Klapper. "It does not lead to arthritis." 'Cracking your knuckles does no harm at all to our joints.